Back to School!

It's almost time for school to start back up again, and you know what that means...time for new shoes! New styles for kids of all ages are arriving almost every day. Here are a few of our favorites from Keen, Camper, Morgan & Milo, and Primigi.

Keen Coronado High Top (infant size 4-youth size 4)

Keen has taken their popular Coronado sneaker and turned it into an awesome high top! These shoes are comfortable and durable, and the non-marking natural rubber outsoles are perfect for school.

Camper Peu Shoe and Ankle Boot (size 26-34/US 9-2)

Camper really takes the cake when it comes to making stylish shoes for kids, and these are no exception! Super soft leather and ergonomic lasts ensure all day comfort, while the side zippers make them easy to take on and off.

Morgan & Milo-from left to right: Sequin MJ (size 7.5-13), Ginger Floral (size 7.5-13), Avery H&L (size 7-12), Woodstock Lace (size 6-12)

Morgan & Milo is a relatively new footwear company (established in 2003), but they have quickly become a favorite of parents looking for high quality shoes at a great price point. From sporty sneakers to sparkly maryjanes, Morgan and Milo has it all (and in half sizes)!

Primigi-from left to right: Jenny-E Boot (waterproof!) in size 28-38/US 10.5-6, Jenna Patent (size 24-35/US 8-3), Livia Boot (size 24-35/US 8-3), Jessie Boot (size 28-34/US 10.5-2)

Primigi has been crafting children's shoes with distinct Italian style for over 30 years. Their boots are perfect for fall and winter, and come in supple leathers, pretty patents, and waterproof GORE-TEX.

These are just a few of the great new styles we have for back to school... there are plenty more in-store! Come on in and we'll help you find the perfect pair to start the school year off right!

-Lindsay (315!)

New Arrivals! | Gabor

I know what you are thinking. "BOOTS? In August? But it's hot out!"

Believe it or not, boots are already here at Sole Food. It's a good time to act fast and pick out your favorite pair while they are still here!

I know what else you might be thinking. "I can't wear boots. My calves are too big."

This is a negative that is found in some boots...not enough versatility in the shaft widths so that the boots can fit a number of different leg sizes.

[Check out my little video...I go through some new Gabor boots and show you what's awesome!]

Well be sad no more! Gabor from Germany knows this plight of boots and has been a master of feet and shoes for a long time. Established in 1949, Gabor has been designing shoes and boots that feature many different options for the many different feet in the world. Gabor offers larger sizes, many widths and innovative footbeds that provide maximum comfort for you. All Gabor boots are produced in Europe, which guarantees highest quality and materials.

Back by popular demand, these boots will fit you like a glove. Featured here we have three tall boots, all with adjustable shaft-widths. Whether you have the large calf or the skinny one, these boots feature a buckle system that can loosen or tighten as needed. Another way to look at it is that you can wear these boots with pants tucked in, over the boot, or with leggings, tights, thinner socks, thick socks...the possibilities are endless!

Thanks for reading, Sole Foodies!

- Linda

DO YOU see kai run?

New see kai run footwear has arrived at Sole Food! The new fall line is once again too cute to handle...

[See Kai Run's Gwen Maryjane, US whole sizes 3-8]

see kai run is the brainchild of Cause Haun, Kai's mom. For a long time Cause was looking for the right pair of shoes for her growing boy, ones that would help his little feet grow healthy and strong.

When she didn't find what she was looking for, Cause went on to develop her own shoes for Kai, and the rest is history. see kai run was born.

[See Kai Run's Augustin Shoe, US whole sizes 3-8]

Starting in specialty boutiques around Seattle (including Sole Food!), see kai run is now a phenomenon around the world. These shoes offer what parents and kids want in their footwear...style and comfort! see kai run shoes feature super soft leathers and a flexible soles, which is key for foot development in children. These shoes have been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association's seal of acceptance because they meet the rigorous standards for foot health and functionality. Go Kai!

[smaller by See Kai Run's Kai Shoe, 0-6 months to 12-18 months]

Also from see kai run is a line of soft baby booties. smaller by see kai run is all about cuteness for the littlest feet out there! A unique feature of these booties is two rubber pads on the bottom, perfect for the babies almost ready to stand or even take a few steps.

[smaller by see kai run's kat maryjane bootie, 0-6 months to 12-18 months]

There are many more styles from see kai run here at Sole Food, one more cuter than the next. Our well-trained staff can help size and fit your little ones with the right pair. We know you'll be happy with these shoes. Thanks for reading!

New Arrivals: Sweet Scarves!

This just in: Bright, super soft, wear-in-any weather Pashminas and Infinity Scarves! We've brought back some of your favorite Pashminas in fun summer colors like passion purple, grasshopper green, deep in denim, and many other great hues to brighten up any wardrobe.

We've also got in some lightweight Infinity Scarves you can wear in an infinity amount of ways.

Skeptical? Well, here's Bridget, a Sole Food Associate (and glowing model!) to help get you started on some of the sassy ways you can scarf it!

The Loop-d-loop

Easy As: Take scarf and twist once. Place head through loop.

Sophisticated Shawl

Easy As: Drape scarf across shoulders.

Easy Elegance

Easy As: Wearing a long necklace.

There are many more ways to wear these great scarves. So come on in and try one today. We'll see you soon!

Arch Support: To have or have not?

Sole Food mamas and papas are caring individuals who only want the best for their wee ones. One of the main concerns parents have is whether or not children should have arch support in their shoes. Well, to help clear the air, this post will focus on arch support for your children.

Infants and Toddlers:
Babies are the cutest things! They are born with flat feet and do not need arch supports. They generally have flat chubby feet with a padding of protective fat underneath the foot to help protect their malleable feet. At this stage the best shoe for their feet needs to be soft, not too restricting, and made of natural leather or canvas. Synthetic materials don't allow feet to breathe properly and at this stage children usually produce up to 2 pints of liquid each day (that's some sweaty feet!). The appearance of the flat foot starts disappearing as children start walking around and improving their gait.

Children ages 4 and up:
A normal arch tends to develop between the ages of 4 through 8. The muscles and ligaments develop naturally and longitudinal arch becomes present. Only a Podiatrist can diagnose a rigid flat foot or a pronounced longitudinal arch, so if your child does not develop an arch during this time period, it is advisable to see a doctor to avoid foot problems later in life.

If your child tends to pronate, or to roll their foot inwards, you may need shoes with some arch support. This will help the foot turn out promote appropriate foot, leg, and back alignment. Here at Sole Food we carry many childrens brands that have great support. We also carry brands that have removable insolves, such as Keen, Merrell, and Ecco, if your child has custom or ready made arch supports that need to be inserted in their shoes.

So come on in and enjoy our selection of comfortable, supportive, and stylish childrens shoes.

New Flats for Summer!

New flats are here! We have some über-cute styles ready for you! Featured in our post are styles from Gentle Souls, Gee WaWa, and a newer company we started carrying just this spring, Kelsi Dagger. Check them out!

Gentle Souls' Bay Braid Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

One of Sole Food's most popular styles, the Bay Braid flat is everything you want in a flat...cute AND comfortable! The metallic finish is great for summer, but will also carry you perfectly into fall.

Gee WaWa's Lucy Ballet Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

This flat will surprise you with its super soft leather! This flat hugs your foot with its nubuck-like softness, and is the perfect simple ballet. It goes great with everything - your skirts, dresses, denim and more!

Kelsi Dagger Shaye Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

Time and time again, Kelsi Dagger designs stand out on our shelves, but especially on your feet! The Shaye Flat is a simple ballet with beautiful eyelet detailing.

Kelsi Dagger's Melia Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

Another great flat from Kelsi Dagger, the Melia flat is soft, feminine, and cute! The deep purple leathers go well with floral dresses as well as your earthtones.

This is just a teeny sample of what's to come for late summer and fall. We'll keep you updated as more come in! Happy Summer!

Meet the Staff: Lindsay!

Meet Lindsay, a shoe lover and wonderful employee for over 2 years!

Name: Lindsay Bower

Hometown: Woodinville

Primary Role at Sole Food: Selling shoes!

Favorite Brands at Sole Food: Frye, Miz Mooz, Indigo and Kelsi Dagger

When I'm not at Sole Food you can find me: Going to school at UW or watching the World Cup!

Favorite Restaurant in Seattle: Cafe Flora

Must have shoe for Summer:

Frye - Maya Stud Slingback in Yellow

"It's a great sunny color for Summer...hopefully it will bring out some actual sun!"

New FRYES at Sole Food!

We know, we know. Summer just started. But in the world of shoes, spring and summer is ending, and fall is a few weeks away! Sole Food's fall collection is already arriving, and we are excited; we have some great new styles from our one of our favorite companies...from Frye!

Carson Riding Boot 15L [US whole & half sizes 6-10]

This boot is a timeless piece, with great hand craftsmanship and beautiful, simple detailing. Made with fine, soft leathers, the Carson Riding Boot is a perfect modern interpretation of the classic riding boots of the wild west.

Jane Ankle Boot [US whole & half sizes 6-10]

The Jane Ankle Boot is made with awesome hand crafted leather and detailed with the signature Frye harness ring, studs and straps. With a little bit of lift with the 2" heel, this boot is ready to be dressed up or down.

Heath Outside Zip 15L [US whole and half sizes 6-11]

This boot is sure to be this season's best seller. The Heath boot blends together the best of Frye: its classic square toe seen on the signature Harness boot; oh-so-soft leathers, and great craftmanship! We have this boot in a beautiful maple brown, which is perfect for wearing all year round with your denim, skirts, dresses, everything!

This is just the beginning...we'll be getting more and more Frye boots as the summer takes off! And if you know these boots, these will not last long in our store! We have many more styles already in stock, and we have a great team that will help you get fitted with the right pair. Thanks for reading!

Chie Mihara

Sole Food is excited to carry a new line of designer shoes for women. You may have seen them in the store earlier this spring, but if you haven't seen or tried them on, you should!

(photo courtesy of chiemihara.com)

Chie Mihara is a world-class designer, born in Brazil, studied design in Japan, and now lives in Europe creating beautiful shoes. She launched her shoe line in Elda, Spain in 2002 with the goals of designing footwear that is feminine and attractive, without giving up comfort.



"Every Chie Mihara shoe features an anatomical footbead that Chie designed specifically to accomodate a woman's foot. "


Can you ask for more in a shoe? Chie takes great dedication and draws from her worldwide roots to design timeless shoes that have a background in vintage style but speak in contemporary language. Her collections reflect her multi-cultural background..."Brazil informs the feminine details; Japan influences her design approach; the U.S. contributes practicality; and Spain is the source for high quality construction."

You'll appreciate the careful attention and craftsmanship of these shoes!


Here are a couple Chie Mihara shoes at Sole Food:

(photo courtesy of chiemihara.com)
Wonder Sandal (sizes 36-41, whole & half sizes)

(photo courtesy of chiemihara.com)
Kaisi Shoe (sizes 36-41, whole & half sizes)

Orthotic-Friendly Shoes for Summer!

Summer is almost here in Seattle! Summer starts June 21 and that means warm weather and sunny skies in Seattle. The socks come off and the sandals and open shoes come in.

If you're an orthotic-wearer, you may have found it difficult to find summer-friendly shoes for your feet helpers. Here are some great styles that Sole Food carries that work well with orthodics.

Men's Styles
Camper Brothers Slip-On...features a removable footbed and soft leathers-very comfortable for a day out.

Keen Coronado Slip-On...seen here in a light grey canvas, the Coronado is a Keen classic. With a removable footbed and supportive sole, the Coronado also has a wider toe bed, which is great for those who need that extra wiggle room.

Cydwoq Markers Sandal...Cydwoq shoes are designed with a high quality leathers with a steel shank embedded in the sole. This sandal is great for those who need that arch support and a good looking shoe at the same time!

Women's Styles

Tsubo Hanwi Shoe...Tsubo shoes never disappoint. This great shoe has a removable footbed, comfort, and a nice light color palette for summer.

Keen Coronado Sandal...Keen has taken a spin off their classic Coronados and made a sandal for women...with a removable footbed! In a fun orange color, these shoes are great for everyday, whether you're walking your dog at Gasworks, or going for a stroll downtown.

Pr!vo Cailin Shoe..."Step lively" in these super cute red sandals from Pr!vo. This sandal features a depressed heelbed, which helps keeping your orthodic in the sandal.

Kid's Styles

Naturino 7781 Sandal...how CUTE are these little fisherman-style sandals! Made with a light canvas upper and soft rubber bottom, these shoes have removable footbeds if your little one uses an orthodic.

Merrell Iggy Web Jr. Shoe & Dolphina Maryjane...Merrell makes great shoes for children! These spring styles are very breathable and great for playing around.

So come on in and we'll do our best to find the right shoe (or shoes!) for you this summer!